"Called shot" is a term used in baseball to describe a batter's prediction of where they will hit the ball. The word "called" is pronounced /kɔːld/ with the "o" sound as in "law" and the "a" sound as in "father." "Shot" is pronounced /ʃɒt/ with the "o" sound as in "not" and the "a" sound as in "cat." The spelling of this term reflects the English language's irregularities in pronunciation, with the combination of letters "ough" in "thought" pronounced differently than in "through" or "bough."
A called shot refers to a term used in sports, particularly in games where precision and skill play a major role, such as billiards, golf, or baseball. In essence, a called shot occurs when a player confidently predicts or declares the intended outcome of their shot before executing it. It entails specifying precisely where the ball or object will strike or land, providing a level of challenge and allure to the game.
In billiards or pool, for instance, a player may call a shot by indicating which pocket they will sink a specific ball into. Similarly, in golf, a player might declare the exact trajectory or landing point of their shot, aiming to hit the ball directly into a marked location or hole. In baseball, a called shot often refers to a legendary anecdote involving Babe Ruth, who is said to have pointed his bat towards the outfield fence right before hitting a home run to the precise spot he indicated.
Calling a shot adds an element of excitement and risk to a game, as the player voluntarily elevates the difficulty level by publicly stating their intended outcome. Successful called shots may generate admiration, respect, or awe from fellow players and spectators, as they showcase exceptional skill, focus, and sometimes sheer audacity. In contrast, a missed called shot can result in disappointment or provide an opportunity for opponents to gain advantage, further intensifying the competitive nature of the game.
The term "called shot" has its origins in sports, specifically in the game of pool (or billiards). The etymology can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States.
In pool, a called shot refers to a player declaring an intended target (usually a specific ball or pocket) before making a shot. If the player successfully sinks the ball into the designated pocket as called, they are awarded the appropriate points or continue their turn.
The word "called" in this context comes from the action of verbally stating or "calling" out the specific shot the player intends to make. It emphasizes the player's intention and engages the element of skill and strategy in the game.
Over time, the term "called shot" expanded beyond pool and started to be used in other sports or games where players have to specifically designate their intended target before attempting a shot.